By: KC Nañola

Hello and Happy New Year!

I behaved well before Christmas, so that I could get what was on my wish list. It seems like forever for me to wait for Christmas morning, and then it came and went so quickly. It was a good quiet celebration for all of us. We didn’t attend a party nor did we host a party. Mommy’s been very busy at work and didn’t even have enough time to cook. So, we ended up ordering from a Thai Restaurant. I wanted our celebration to be traditional but didn’t want to put pressure to my parents, especially mommy. I was just hoping that I would get what was on my wish list. 

So, in keeping with my plan to behave well, I thought it was a good idea to surprise mommy and impress my family with my baking skills. No, I am not an expert but I love baking and cooking. Chocolate chip cookies are my favourite. I also have become a regular pancake maker in the house every weekend but I admit, daddy makes the best pancakes in the world. Well, he taught me how.

Although not a traditional Christmas celebration, I got what is on my wish list and more! Most importantly, we all enjoyed the food and the time spent together. We have created another year full of laughters and sweetness; memories to remember as time passes by.

For my avid fans, I am sharing with you my simple chocolate chip cookie recipe. Don’t be afraid, I still do trials and errors on my pancakes (smile). So, here you go enjoy the recipe and don’t forget to put your heart in it while you’re doing it.

So, apart from LOVE which is the most important ingredient, you will also need the following:

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 package semi sweet chocolate chips

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs in large bowl using spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. Drop dough by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 12-15 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack; cool.

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About the writer: KC Nanola is a  grade 7 student of St. Lawrence School and is also in a gifted class program at St. Catherine School. She was our featured “Young Achiever” for August edition